“Whatever you do, don’t volunteer to play goalie. If you coach tells you to play it, then play it. But if they ask who wants to play goalie, don’t volunteer.”
This is a statement that I have made to every single one of my daughters. I would rather see them on the field running around than standing back there waiting for the ball to come to them. I also don’t want to be nervous that they will make a mistake, and give up a goal every time a ball is kicked back their way.
But of course, I have a daughter who not only volunteered, but enjoyed it. She then volunteered for the next game, and then the next. Until finally I heard the words “I think I want to be a goalie.”
Ok, great. So, what now? I have a daughter who for some reason (I’ll never understand it) has fun playing goalie. Here are some of the things I learned along the way.
They need more Gear
On top of the typical soccer gear, goalies also will need goalie shirts, goalie gloves, and also can use padded shorts. Sometimes the team will provide them with the Goalie shirt. The padded shorts will help your child be protected more when diving, particularly in practice sessions. The gloves are the costliest. They need them because they make a huge difference, but they wear out quickly. Right now, my daughter has a cheaper pair we use for practice and more expensive pair for the games.
The position is different from every other position on the field
Training for the Goalie position is very individualized compared to the rest of the players on the team. A forward, midfielder, and a defensive player all are taught the same basic skills. A goalie must learn those basic skills plus all of the skills it takes to keep the ball out of the net. When you start adding punting and throwing into the mix, it is a lot. It helps if you can find an individual coach to help work with your daughter on those skills. It is hard for the Head Coach to address the goalie at a team practice. Most of the practice will be dedicated to the players playing out on the field.
There will be boring games
There will be games when the team your child is on is just better then the other team. Your child may not touch the ball at all during the game. This is tough to watch sometimes. All that time spent practicing, all of that work that is done…….. and no balls come their way. This is something I think is good for your child to understand when they start leaning toward playing goalie. There are games that are boring. You don’t want your child to decide later that goalie isn’t for them and feel stuck at the position.
…….And games that you wish were boring
Conversely, there will be games where the other team is significantly better. Goal after goal will be scored against your child, even though they probably could not have saved most of them. They will still feel awful about it, even if it wasn’t their fault. This is also something that they should be aware of. Make sure they understand that not all shots can be saved.
Mistakes are costly, so be positive
If a forward takes a shot on goal and misses, no big deal. If a defender is dribbled around, they always have a teammate to help cover for them. If a Goalie misses the ball, it is a goal. The worst feeling is to watch your child make a mistake and miss a ball they should have handled. They feel horrible and so will you as a parent. Make sure to be positive. Mistakes happen to everyone on the field, their mistakes just happen to stand out more. There is no need to be negative or over correct them, they already know they made a mistake (heck, everyone on the field knows). Be positive, there is more game to play.
There is a risk of injury
“Your child will have a concussion if they play goalie.” These words were said to me at a goalie camp by a college coach. Is it true, maybe. It is definitely plausible. I really believe the coach was letting parents of young goalies know that there is a risk of injury. Your child will be diving and jumping for balls while other people are trying to kick it. It is possible they could get hurt. It is something I thought about afterwords and took into consideration.
Well, there you go. Those were just a few of the lessons I have learned having a child that plays goalie. And while sometimes watching your child do it will drive you crazy, there definitely are rewarding times as well. Watching your child make a big save, or saving a penalty kick, or saving a break away, will make it all worthwhile. It’s a roller coaster of emotions. So, keep on kicking, and goalies, keep on making saves.